Name: Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup M&M candies

There’s something so comforting about a warm, soft cookie packed with vibrant, crunchy M&Ms. This Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe blends rich cocoa with playful candy for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Let me walk you through it!

The image shows a group of nine round chocolate cookies topped with colorful candy-coated chocolates scattered unevenly on each cookie. The cookies have a dark, rich brown color and a soft, slightly cracked texture. The candy pieces are bright red, green, blue, yellow, orange, and brown, adding a playful and eye-catching contrast on the surface of each cookie. Some candy pieces are also scattered around the cookies on a white marbled surface, creating a casual and inviting setup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these cookies because they hit that perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and cheerful pops of M&M candy. They’re incredibly easy to bake and instantly brighten any cookie platter.

Chewy and Soft Texture: These cookies stay delightfully soft inside with just the right chew on the edges.
Bold Chocolate Flavor: > We use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep, rich chocolate goodness in every bite.
Colorful Fun: M&Ms add a crunchy, colorful surprise that kids and adults both adore.
Quick and Simple: You can have a batch ready from start to finish in just 22 minutes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for ingredients, I always make sure to pick high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract—it really makes a difference. Also, choosing your favorite variety of M&Ms can personalize the cookies to your taste. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each part is important:

Flat lay of a few sticks of soft unsalted butter, a small mound of granulated sugar, a small mound of packed brown sugar, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small pile of all-purpose flour, a small pile of unsweetened cocoa powder, a small heap of baking powder, a small heap of salt, and a handful of colorful M&M candies, all arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives the dough a tender, rich base and helps create that soft, chewy texture we want.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps spread the cookies while baking.
Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a slight caramel undertone that intensifies the cookie’s softness.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the chewy texture.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, familiar note.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure builder—just enough to hold everything together while keeping the dough tender.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This delivers that deep, rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and pillowy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate flavor.
M&M Candies: The star addition, adding crunch and colorful bursts of fun in every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins and flavors to make these cookies truly your own.

Double Chocolate Delight: I love adding an extra cup of chocolate chips right alongside the M&Ms. It amps up the chocolate goodness and creates melty pockets of rich chocolate in each bite.
Nuts About M&Ms: Swapping regular M&Ms for peanut or almond varieties adds a wonderful crunch and nutty twist, perfect for those who enjoy a little texture variation.
Mocha Kick: Adding a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder doesn’t make the cookies taste like coffee, but it deepens and intensifies the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Seasonal Swaps: Around the holidays, I like to substitute the M&Ms for red and green candies, giving the cookies a festive flair that's always a crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with thick, dark brown cookie dough mixed with colorful candy-coated chocolates in red, yellow, green, blue, and orange. The dough looks chunky with a rough texture and scattered bits of candy throughout. A woman's hand holds a white spatula stirring through the mixture, lifting clumps of the dough and candy. The inside walls of the bowl show streaks of dark dough residue. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup easier and prevents the cookies from sticking, ensuring they keep their perfect shape.

Step 2: Cream Your Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Beat until the mixture turns light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You’ll notice the texture becomes smooth and a bit fluffy, which sets a fantastic base for your cookie dough.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures your eggs incorporate evenly, making the dough balanced and cohesive. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma we all adore in cookies.

Step 4: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt until fully combined. This step ensures your cocoa and leavening agents are evenly distributed so your cookies bake perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir gently and only until just combined — the key here is to avoid overmixing which can lead to tougher cookies. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, ready for the fun part!

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms

Fold in 1 cup of M&M candies carefully so they distribute evenly without crushing. This adds vibrant color and that satisfying chocolate crunch we all crave. Be gentle to keep those candies whole and pretty.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes—watch for the edges to set while the centers stay soft. This timing gives you that perfect chewy texture with a slightly soft middle.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes. This resting time allows them to firm up just right before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, grab a glass of milk or your favorite ice cream and dig in!

Top Tip

To get the absolute best out of your Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe, small tweaks can make all the difference. These tips come straight from my kitchen trials and will have your cookies turning out just right every time.

Don't Overbake: I learned the hard way that baking for exactly 12 minutes is key. The edges should be set but the centers still a little soft because the cookies will firm up as they cool, leaving you with that perfect chewy texture.
Even Mixing Counts: Gently folding in the M&Ms instead of stirring vigorously keeps them intact and beautiful in every bite—avoiding that dreaded crushed candy look.
Room Temperature Butter: Using softened butter rather than melted makes creaming the sugars easier, which creates a light, fluffy dough that bakes into soft cookies instead of dense ones.
Use Parchment Paper: Baking on parchment prevents sticking and keeps your cookies evenly baked without burning on the bottom—it's saved me from ruined batches more times than I can count!

How to Serve Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe

A stack of six dark chocolate cookies with colorful candy pieces embedded on top and around the edges sits on a white marbled surface, with one cookie leaning against the stack showing its full round shape and bright candy colors in red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and brown. Loose candy pieces are scattered around on the white marbled surface, and a white bowl filled with more colorful candies is partially visible in the foreground. In the background, more cookies and a blurred white measuring spoon can be seen. The cookies have a slightly cracked texture, and the bright candies add a playful contrast to the dark chocolate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fun and festive presentation, sprinkle a few extra M&M candies on top of the cookies right after baking while they’re still warm—this adds vibrant color and an inviting look. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch or add a dollop of whipped cream alongside for an extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These cookies make a delightful treat paired with a cold glass of milk—classic and unbeatable. For grown-up pairings, try them with a cup of strong coffee or espresso, which perfectly complements the rich cocoa flavor. You could also serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of creamy gelato for a decadent dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, chewy texture. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They'll keep well for up to 3 months. For freezing dough, scoop the cookie dough balls onto a tray, freeze until firm, then store in a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back that soft, just-baked feel and melty chocolate goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute M&Ms with other types of candy?

Absolutely! You can swap standard M&M candies for peanut, almond, or even peanut butter M&Ms to add different textures and flavors. Just make sure to fold them gently to avoid breaking them up.

How can I make these cookies extra chocolatey?

Adding a dash of instant coffee or espresso powder into the dough really enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee. You can also fold in an extra cup of chocolate chips for more melty chocolate pockets.

Why are my cookies sometimes too hard?

Overbaking is usually the culprit. Remember to bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to bake from residual heat after being removed from the oven.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can make delicious gluten-free Chocolate M&M Cookies. Just be sure to check the blend’s instructions for any adjustments in liquid or baking time.

Final Thoughts

Making these Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies is truly a joy — each bite bursts with rich cocoa and colorful candies that brighten any day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic straight from your oven. So roll up your sleeves, get those M&Ms ready, and enjoy every chewy, chocolatey moment!